Thousands of jobseekers gather at SM City Dasmariñas during the SM Retail Job Fair, opening doors to new careers and brighter opportunities for Filipinos. 

The one-day hiring event drew strong participation from jobseekers across Cavite and nearby areas, connecting applicants to career openings from some of the country’s most recognized retail and service brands. Participating employers included Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Appliance Center, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom, Savemore, Alfamart, Goldilocks, National University, and many more under the SM Group.

More than 1,000 job seekers attended the event, interviewing with more than 20 companies offering opportunities across retail, operations, merchandising, customer service, finance, marketing, warehouse operations, pharmacy, and management roles. More than 140 were hired on the spot (HOTS) with several hundreds more for follow-up interviews beyond the job fair. This reflects the event’s immediate impact in helping Filipinos move closer to meaningful employment.  

Successful applicants celebrate their hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) moments after securing new career opportunities at the SM Retail Job Fair.

For many attendees, the event became more than just a job fair—it became an opportunity for a fresh start and a brighter future.

One hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) applicant shared how the SM Job Fair gave them renewed hope and confidence in finding meaningful work.

“Thanks, God! Kasi natanggap din naman agad ako at hindi ako nahirapan. Anong oras palang uuwi na ako kasi tanggap na ako. And this is my first time kasi umattend ng job fair. And hindi ako na disappoint kasi napaka accommodating ng staff kamo. At saka ambabait pa,” shared Marissa Orias Urbano, hired at Toy Kingdom.

Applicants line up early at the SM Retail Job Fair in search of fresh starts, 

meaningful work, and future opportunities.

Some successful hires plan to use their income to fund their education. Marcelo P. Magboo III who was hired at SM Appliance Center shared that he stopped his college education for almost two years because of financial problems. He participated in the SM Job Fair, “napagisip-isip ko po ngayon na, bakit hindi po ako magtrabaho para makapag-aral ulit… Masaya po (na natanggap), tumaas po yung chance na makapag-aral ako ulit. Thank you SM for giving me a chance to get a job… magkakaroon na ako ng pambayad sa sarili kong pag-aaral.”

Government and institutional partners also emphasized the importance of bringing opportunities closer to communities through accessible employment platforms.

From resumes to real opportunities—jobseekers connect directly with leading employers during the SM Retail Job Fair at SM City Dasmariñas.

Companies also shared how SM job fairs allowed them to more easily connect with talents and fill-up their vacancies. “Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm… andaming tao. Yung mga area na meron akong vacancy dito, around Dasma, Imus, and Bacoor… super happy kasi na filled-in na. So, may mga na hired on the spot kami. Thank you so much SM Dasmariñas. Sana marami pang job fair,” shared Daniela Capistrano, Talent Acquisition Officer from Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc.

Initiatives like the SM Job Fairs help bridge jobseekers to immediate employment opportunities while making the process more accessible and community-based. Meanwhile, DICT highlighted the importance of digital readiness and future-ready learning as part of today’s evolving workforce landscape through their booths.

The initiative was made possible through strong collaboration among SM Supermalls, SM Retail, Jobstreet, PSAC Jobs, PCCI, ECOP, PHILEXPORT, PESO, LGUs, DICT, and other institutional partners committed to supporting employment generation and workforce development.

Career opportunities across retail, customer service, operations, and management were made available during the SM Retail Job Fair.

One-Stop Job Application Experience

SM Job Fairs also integrate government support services to help streamline the hiring process for applicants. Participating agencies—including the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and other government partners—help applicants process essential employment requirements on-site, making the experience faster, easier, and more accessible.

This collaboration between government, industry, and private sector partners reflects a shared mission of helping more Filipinos move forward through employment and lifelong learning.

The successful turnout at SM City Dasmariñas also builds momentum for the upcoming nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs this June 12 across participating SM malls nationwide.

This year’s Independence Day Job Fairs will go beyond traditional hiring by integrating digital upskilling and future-ready learning opportunities in partnership with DICT, TESDA, Jobstreet, and local government partners. Main event activities will be highlighted at SM City East Ortigas, featuring digital upskilling sessions and participation from Pasig City local government and various institutional partners.

Partnerships between government, industry, and private sector groups help create more accessible employment opportunities for Filipinos.

Applicants can also look forward to learning opportunities focused on AI, digital productivity, cybersecurity awareness, and workplace readiness—supporting not only immediate employment, but long-term career growth in today’s evolving workforce.

Participating malls for the June 12 SM Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs include:

1. SM Megamall

2. SM City Marikina

3. SM Center Sangandaan

4. SM City East Ortigas

5. SM City San Lazaro

6. SM Center Las Piñas

7. SM City Sucat

8. SM City Rosales

9. SM City Laoag

10. SM City Tuguegarao

11. SM City Bataan

12. SM City Telabastagan

13. SM City San Jose Del Monte

14. SM City Dasmariñas

15. SM City Legazpi

16. SM City Bacolod

17. SM Seaside City Cebu

18. SM CDO Downtown Premier

19. SM City Davao

20. SM City General Santos

Additional SM Job Fairs and industry-focused hiring events will also continue throughout June in select SM malls nationwide, further strengthening SM Supermalls’ commitment to helping Filipinos access jobs, skills, and new opportunities closer to their communities.

1. June 3 - SM City Tuguegarao

2. June 7 - SMX Davao - SM Lanang Premier (Tourism & Hospitality)

3. June 9 - SM City Baliwag

4. June 9 - SM City Davao (ICT companies)

5. June 11 - SM City Valenzuela

6. June 11 - SM City Bacoor

7. June 11 - SM City San Mateo

8. June 11 - SM City Iloilo

9. June 16 - 17 - SM City Novaliches

10. June 16 - 17 - SM City Iloilo (ICT companies)

11. June 17 - SM City Calamba

12. June 18 - SM City Bacolod

13. June 18 - SM City Daet

14. June 25 - SM City Trece Martires

15. June 27 - SM City Bataan (Trabaho at Negosyo)

16. June 30 - SM Center Muntinlupa

At SM, opportunities go beyond employment—empowering more Filipinos to move forward through jobs, skills, and brighter possibilities for the future.

Schedules and participating malls are subject to change without prior notice. For updates and the latest list of participating malls, visit the SM Supermalls Job Fair Page or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s leading mall developers—continues to maximize the job fair experience by bringing employment opportunities closer to Filipinos through accessible job fairs in malls nationwide. As the country’s most preferred and loved retail destination, SM designs job fair experiences that respond to the evolving needs of different job seeker tribes—from fresh graduates and first-time job hunters to career shifters and experienced professionals seeking their next opportunity. More than a venue, SM serves as a platform where talent meets opportunity—connecting job seekers with employers, strengthening workforce development, and supporting inclusive economic growth through strong public and private partnerships. Because meaningful opportunities should be within reach—designed with every Filipino’s future in mind. All For You.

 “Hindi ko po akalain na matatanggap ako ngayon,” shared Felo Garcia, hired on the spot as a Sales Associate. “Salamat po SM dahil makaka-provide na ako sa mga pangangailangan ng anak ko at pamilya ko.”

Another hired-on-the-spot applicant, Joel Azores, emphasized the credibility and impact of the event, saying, “One hundred percent ka po matatanggap sa Mega Job Fair dahil puro legit na company dito.”

Led by SM Retail, the job fair gathered companies from across the SM Group’s diverse businesses—spanning malls and real estate, retail, food and beverage, logistics, education, and banking. More than just high foot traffic, the event delivered high intent, high engagement, and strong hiring outcomes.

From application to employment—on the same day

One of the strongest highlights of the job fair was the number of applicants hired on the spot (HOTS), showcasing the efficiency and accessibility of SM’s hiring ecosystem.

For many job seekers, the experience was nothing short of life-changing. Through on-site interviews and real-time assessments, applicants were able to move quickly from application to employment—removing the long waiting periods often associated with traditional recruitment.

A job fair that works for real people

For many first-time job seekers and breadwinners, the SM Job Fair offered not just jobs—but relief, speed, and hope. “Makakatulong yung ganitong pa-event sa mga pamilya,” shared Joshua Bulauitan, hired on the spot as a Sales Clerk. “Kung wala kang trabaho at nagigipit ka na, pumunta ka lang dito—may instant trabaho ka.”

This immediate hiring momentum reflects SM Retail’s consistently strong hiring demand and absorption rates, ensuring that SM Job Fairs translate into real jobs—not just applications.

Employers meet job-ready talent, faster

Employers likewise cited the effectiveness of SM Job Fairs in reaching the right candidates efficiently.

 “Sumali po kami dito because we are looking to hire more employees,” said Lyka Sababan of SM Appliance Center. “Alam po namin na maraming jobseekers ang pumupunta dito, and effective po talaga ang job fairs para sa mga companies na naghahanap ng new employees.”

Meanwhile, financial services firms highlighted the long-term success of hires from SM Job Fairs.

“The candidates we hired from our last job fair here at SM North EDSA have good profiles,” shared Tia Macatlang of BDO Life, “and we see that they are now successful financial advisers.”

Strengthening employment through public-private collaboration.

The job fair was held in partnership with key government agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)—underscoring the value of public-private collaboration in employment generation.

“Malaki ang tulong ng SM Supermalls sa PESO at DOLE,” said Jon Tito, Group Leader of QC PESO. “Kinakalat nila ang opportunities para sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho.”

SM Government Service Express: making hiring easier, faster

To further simplify the employment journey, the job fair featured SM Government Service Express, a one-stop hub where applicants could process pre-employment requirements in one location.

Participating agencies included the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, and the Philippine National Police for police clearance.

“Pinapadali ng ganitong job fairs ang mga oportunidad para sa jobseekers,” explained Adolf Hernandez of PhilHealth QC. “May hired on the spot ka na, at nandito na rin ang mga government agencies para sa requirements.”

SSS echoed this, emphasizing accessibility: “Importante na sumasali ang mga government agencies sa job fairs,” said Ava Michelle Estrella of SSS, “kasi on the spot, natutulungan namin ang applicants sa pagkuha ng requirements.”

Bringing opportunities closer, nationwide

Following the strong turnout at SM City North EDSA, SM Supermalls continues to bring job opportunities closer to Filipinos with a series of job fairs nationwide this March:

● March 4 – SM Center Antipolo

● March 6 – SM Mall of Asia

● March 11 – SM City Davao

● March 13 – SM City Trece Martires

● March 20 – SM City North EDSA

● March 25 – SM City Urdaneta Central

● March 26 - SM City Tuguegarao

● March 27 – SM City Trece Martires

● March 27 – SM City Cauayan

Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume, valid IDs, and other basic pre-employment requirements, and to arrive early to maximize interview opportunities. Admission to SM Job Fairs is free and open to the public, unless otherwise specified.

For updates on schedules and participating employers, applicants may visit SM Supermalls’ official social media pages or inquire at the customer service desk of participating malls.

Turning malls into platforms for opportunity

The continued success of the SM Job Fair highlights how the country’s most loved malls are evolving beyond retail becoming platforms that deliver real-world solutions for Filipinos.

By bringing together employers, job seekers, and government agencies in one accessible space, SM Supermalls continues to max out experiences—turning malls into hubs where careers begin, requirements are completed, and futures move forward.

At SM Supermalls, opportunities don’t just exist—they feel possible.

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About SM Supermalls – Job Fairs

SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s leading mall developers—continues to maximize the job fair experience by bringing employment opportunities closer to Filipinos through accessible job fairs across its malls nationwide. As the country’s most preferred and loved retail destination, SM designs job fair experiences that are personal, inclusive, and responsive to different job seeker tribes—from fresh graduates and career shifters to experienced professionals—matching them with employers aligned to their goals and aspirations. More than a venue, SM serves as a platform for empowerment, connecting talent to opportunity, strengthening workforce development, and supporting inclusive economic growth through strong partnerships.

It's very refreshing to know that such big company as the Ayala Group has managed to organize their very 1st Job Fair happening on June 21, 2012, from 10am to 7pm at the Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Center, Makati City. They're on the look-out for passionate professionals ready to "fast track" their way to success! 

As market forces change and create new avenues for growth, Ayala breaks new ground by entering new markets and industries, while remaining grounded on values of vision, integrity and faith in the Filipino. This year, Ayala wants to set the nation-building in motion as one of their highlights. They want to change  the game by increasing ways to contribute to the development of Filipinos by providing not just "jobs" but career opportunities through this job fair.  

According to Ms. April Lim, HR Officer HR Mall, more than 2,000 job openings and career opportunities are slated for all the job-seekers from different industries such as Real Estate, Banking, Telecoms, Water and Waste Water Works, Electronics, Automotives, BPOs, Utilities, Investments, Facilities Management, Construction, Hospitality and Non-Profit Foundation.

What makes this Job Fair different? Well, according to Mr. Alvin Odejar, HR Manager Ayala Land Inc., they offer professional counseling so as to guide and influence the applicants the most possible and fit position for them to start their career or support their career moves. Some of the job positions available are in Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Finance, Project/ Business Development, Engineering and IT. Mr. Odejar was also excited to share that Careers @ Ayala Group is also having plans of reaching-out to all the job-seekers not only here in Metro Manila and Luzon area but also to Visayas and Mindanao provinces.

There will also be other exciting and interesting activities happening on the said event, Careers @ Ayala Group have prepared their presentation and everyone would benefit and enjoy the modern and social network- related topics that the speakers would tackle. The whole day event wouldn't be complete without the entertainment and fun from "Never the Strangers" and Rico Blanco at the "Rock to the Top" concert happening at 7pm. 

Incidentally, this Ayala initiative is also consistent with Makati's on-going campaign of "Make It Happen, Make It Makati" which is all about creating opportunities for all to live, shop, be entertained and work. So, Ayala Group proves to be not only a hub, shopping and entertainment haven, they're also concerned for the enhancement and lifestyle upgrade of the Filipino society.

So what are you waiting for? For all interested applicants, you may register on line at their official website here.

And to know more about the upcoming job fair and about Ayala Group, you may refer to the following links: